Optimization of the effect of accelerated weathering conditions on wood surfaces via the Taguchi method

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of accelerated weathering conditions on total color changes on Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and poplar (Populus x euroamericana) wood surfaces using the Taguchi method. The experiments, based on the L18 orthogonal array, were conducted separately for both tree species. The radial and tangential surfaces of wood specimens were subjected to an accelerated weathering process using 340 nm ultraviolet (UV) lamps and temperature conditions of 50 °C. The factors for the minimum color change were determined via the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratios of the four parameters thought to be effective on color change. These parameters were cutting direction (two levels), UV-irradiance, conditioning, and water (three levels each). The most important factor affecting the color change was then determined by analysis of variance (ANOVA) testing. The results showed that the maximum UV-irradiance (W/m2) had the largest effect on the total color change, while the cutting direction (radial and tangential) had the smallest effect. The factors that affected the total color change of the poplar and Scots pine wood specimens were the same. However, the analysis revealed that different application times had varying effects on the color change.